The Venue
The Parakeet, the critically-acclaimed new pub with a 60-cover dining room in Kentish Town, recently revealed its debut seasonal Sunday roast menu – and we were lucky enough to try it.
With Head Chef Ben Allen and Sous Chef Ed Jennings (both ex-BRAT) at the helm making full use of the kitchen’s custom flame grill and locally-sourced ingredients, diners can expect a fresh take on the roast based all around fire cooking at this one.
The revamped gastropub itself occupies the space of the former landmark pub The Oxford Tavern, on Kentish Town Road, and the dining room retains much of its local character, with the welcoming interior, lighting and ornate antique furnishings designed to compliment the ample natural light and airy space. The space is also ordained with a selection of original vibrant paintings from Ghanaian artist Theophilus Tetteh – and as well as the oak-panelled bar downstairs, there’s also a busy dining room area and a cosy upstairs – with its own bar and friendly staff looking after wining and dining punters.
The venue itself was incredibly popular on our visit one Sunday earlier this month – so busy in fact that there were no free seats downstairs – so we’d recommend booking ahead if you’re wanting to pay a visit to this one!
The Food
Now onto the star of the show, the food, which was absolutely knockout it has to be said. Roast dishes include a flame grilled leg of lamb for four and roast chicken – which is pre-brined and roasted in hay to give it a rich smoky flavour. Also on the menu is salt aged roast topside beef and lamb rump – both of which are cooked over charcoal and wood on their custom-made grill, and a celeriac wellington for veggies and gluten-freers too. All dishes are served with a generous portion of spring greens, roast potatoes with herbs and garlic, plus seasonal root veg, a hefty Yorkshire pudding, and carrot and swede puree.
We went for the lamb rump and the chicken – both which were absolutely delicious – and I have to say that their helpings were more than generous. But that wasn’t all – for dessert we finished with the chocolate torte and the rhubarb and buckwheat tart – which was the exact sendoff that was needed and proved that The Parakeet can do both Sunday roasts and desserts just as successfully in equal measure.
The Drink
Of course, a Sunday roast in my books isn’t just about the food – you’ve got to get the drinks right too. Luckily for me, The Parakeet went above and beyond with these two. On top of some excellent bloody mary’s, the team here have curated a considered wine list centred around biodynamic and low intervention wines. You can expect varied selections from producers including Seasmoke, J. Rochioli, and red and whites from Jayne Ayre, plus an excellent range from places as far and wild as Oregon, Napa, and even Austria. We went for a bottle of Greek red which was absolutely just what the doctor ordered – and well worth a try if you’re here!
The Conclusion
The Parakeet offers one of the best Sunday roasts I’ve tried in my decade or so in London – the food is absolutely excellent and perfectly complemented by the extensive wine list, the desserts are also great, the decor is cosy – perfect for a baltic winter’s evening – and the staff are both friendly and informative. I’d definitely recommend paying it a visit if you’re ever in this neck of the woods!
We’ve also heard that they’ve got a pretty great pub quiz here too – so this is a great one to go with mates!